"She was a wonderful cook, and there was always an extra place at the table for one more stranger soon to become a friend," he said.

"Her homemade fried chicken became one of her signature dishes and was a frequent attraction not only for her family and friends but also for the local police officers who would drop by," said Mr. Butler.

In addition to cooking, Mrs. Minor enjoyed entertaining family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Bon Secours Conference Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville.

Mrs. Minor is survived by two sons, Gene Minor and Michael Minor, both of Baltimore; two daughters, D. Lynn Foote of Ellicott City and Debbie Minor of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; two sisters, Josie Copenhaver of Roanoke, Va., and Ina Gollahon of Jonesville, Va.; and five grandchildren.